Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Long associated almost exclusively with religious pilgrimages, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors in recent years to travelers from around the world. Behind the reductive image of a vast desert lies a country with spectacular landscapes, a history spanning millennia, and cities that oscillate between tradition and futurism. From Nabataean tombs carved into rock to volcanic cliffs, from old coral neighborhoods to the highest skyscrapers in the Middle East, the kingdom now boasts an impressive collection of must-see tourist sites.
The Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the economy through tourism. Infrastructure is modernizing, historical sites are being restored, and major new projects are being developed along the Red Sea coast and in the desert. Obtaining a visa has been simplified through an e-visa system accessible to many nationalities.
AlUla and Hegra: The Spectacular Face of Ancient Arabia
In the northwest of the country, AlUla has become the iconic postcard of this “new” Saudi tourism. A lush oasis set in a desert valley flanked by sandstone cliffs, the region concentrates over 7,000 years of human history and some of the most photogenic landscapes in the kingdom.
Hegra, the Kingdom’s First UNESCO Icon
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Hegra (also called Madain Salih or Al‑Hijr) is the first Saudi site to have received this label. The former southern capital of the Nabataeans – the same civilization as Petra in Jordan – the city houses over a hundred monumental tombs carved into the rock, dating from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE.
Among the tombs of Hegra, the Tomb of Lihyan, son of Kuza, nicknamed Qasr Al Farid, is particularly remarkable. This gigantic, almost isolated monolith, with its unfinished facade, exudes an impression of raw power. Nearby, complexes like Jabal AlBanat or Qasr Al Bint illustrate the exceptional skill of Nabataean stonecutters, who integrated influences from Greco-Roman architecture into their work.
The site is not limited to its tombs: ancient hydraulic systems, pre‑Nabataean inscriptions linked to the Lihyan Kingdom, and carved reliefs and caves tell the story of the long occupation of this caravan crossroads.
| Key Site at Hegra | Main Feature |
|---|---|
| Qasr Al Farid | Isolated tomb, site emblem, monumental unfinished facade |
| Jabal AlBanat | Group of rock-cut tombs carved into the same cliff face |
| Jabal Ithlib & the “Diwan” | Rocky passage and chamber carved into the cliff |
| Lihyanite Inscriptions | Ancient engraved texts, witnesses to pre‑Nabataean kingdoms |
AlUla, Between Oasis, Rock Art, and Futuristic Architecture
Around Hegra, the entire AlUla region can be explored as a vast open-air museum. The ancient city of Dadan, capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms in the 1st millennium BCE, is considered one of the most advanced cities on the peninsula at that time. Not far away, Jabal Ikmah is often described as an “open library”: cliffs covered with thousands of inscriptions in several ancient languages, ritual scenes, and caravan markings.
The old town of AlUla, with its narrow alleys and hundreds of mud-brick houses, tells the story of oasis life until recent times. It has been recognized among the ‘Best Tourism Villages’ by the World Tourism Organization, and several of its houses are now being transformed into charming guesthouses.
AlUla Village
Further south, the immense Elephant Rock, about 52 meters high, resembles a pachyderm sculpted by the wind. It is one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset, facing a sea of orange sand.
The AlUla region also bets on contemporary creation: the Maraya building, covered with thousands of mirrors, holds the record for the world’s largest reflective structure. A concert and conference hall, it literally reflects the surrounding canyon and mesa landscape. The AlJadidah Arts District brings together galleries, an open-air cinema, and an art center in an old school, while festivals dedicated to art, wellness, or astronomy punctuate the year.
Beyond cultural visits, AlUla is also a playground on a grand scale: hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, ziplines over canyons, hikes through narrow gorges, or nights under the stars in modernized Bedouin camps are among the experiences offered.
Diriyah and Riyadh: At the Sources of the Saudi State
To understand how a tribal kingdom transformed into an oil power bristling with towers, one must stop in the Riyadh region. Between the mudbrick palaces of Diriyah and the futuristic silhouettes of downtown, one traverses several centuries of history in just a few kilometers.
At‑Turaif, Cradle of the Al‑Saoud Dynasty
On the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah is more than a suburb: it is the birthplace of the first Saudi state. Founded in the 15th century on the banks of Wadi Hanifah, the At‑Turaif district, a UNESCO site, contains one of the largest complexes of mudbrick buildings in the world.
It was in Diriyah that the Al-Saoud family established its capital in the 18th century, in alliance with the religious reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. The fortified oasis city, with its palaces, mosques, and alleys, was largely destroyed in 1818 by the Ottomans. It is now undergoing restoration as part of the Diriyah Gate project to become a heritage and cultural district.
Facing the site, the Al Bujairi terrace has become a gathering point for Riyadh residents: restaurants, tea lounges, and promenades overlook the illuminated ruins of At‑Turaif, offering a permanent dialogue between past and present.
Riyadh, Capital Between Mudbrick Fort and Skyscrapers
Riyadh is today a metropolis with the feel of a megacity, with wide straight avenues, spectacular shopping malls, and steel-and-glass towers. But the city also retains a historical core around the Masmak Fortress, built of mudbrick in the 19th century. It was there in 1902 that Abdulaziz Ibn Saoud launched the raid that began the reunification of the territory and the creation of the modern kingdom. Transformed into a museum, the fortress can be visited free of charge and allows one to visualize this foundational chapter.
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center traces the history of the Arabian Peninsula, from the first Neolithic communities to the contemporary era.
The contrast is striking with the glass silhouettes dominating the horizon. The Kingdom Centre, with its characteristic arch and sky bridge at a height of 300 meters, offers a panoramic view over the immense urban grid. The Al Faisaliah Tower, the country’s first skyscraper, is distinguished by its glass sphere housing a restaurant perched at nearly 200 meters. Further north, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) lines up a forest of towers designed by big names in international architecture, with a mosque inspired by the “desert rose” and a metro station signed by Zaha Hadid.
| Site in Riyadh / Diriyah | Main Interest |
|---|---|
| At‑Turaif (Diriyah) | UNESCO historical district, cradle of the first state |
| Masmak Fortress | Key site of Ibn Saoud’s conquest, free museum |
| Murabba & National Museum | History of the peninsula, royal heritage |
| Kingdom Centre – Sky Bridge | Panorama of the capital from the 99th floor |
| Al Faisaliah Tower | First skyscraper, “The Globe” restaurant |
| KAFD & district mosque | Cutting-edge architecture, business district |
Jeddah and the Red Sea: Between Old Coral Port and Maritime Skyscrapers
On the Red Sea coast, Jeddah plays a dual role as a gateway to the holy cities and a major coastal metropolis. It also embodies the encounter between ancient mercantile heritage and spectacular modernity.
Al‑Balad, Old Jeddah in Coral
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Mecca”, the Al‑Balad district is a maze of houses built from coral stone, enhanced with beautiful carved wooden lattices called rawasheen. Founded in the 7th century, this port long welcomed ships from Africa, India, or Asia carrying goods and pilgrims to the holy city.
Discover the key elements that make Jeddah’s historic center a living testament to its rich mercantile and cultural past.
A large mansion built in the 19th century, testifying to the wealth of merchant families of the time.
Ancient mosques, the traditional Souk Al Alawi market, small squares, and private museums form an ensemble that has remained surprisingly vibrant.
A vast project aimed at revitalizing, without betraying their soul, dozens of historical buildings in the old center.
Corniche, Mosques on Water, and New Urban Symbols
A few kilometers from Al‑Balad, Jeddah’s other face unfolds along the corniche. Restaurants, bike paths, contemporary sculptures, and large hotels overlook the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. In the evening, the powerful jet of the King Fahd Fountain, one of the tallest in the world, dominates the horizon, projecting water hundreds of meters into the air.
Further north, the Al‑Rahmah Mosque, built on stilts, gives the impression of floating on the waves at high tide. Its decoration, both interior and exterior, combines blue and white hues with geometric patterns, creating a harmonious dialogue with the sea. Along the corniche, modern architecture unfolds with towers, large-scale shopping malls like the Red Sea Mall, and luxury hotels, illustrating the city’s international openness.
| Major Places in Jeddah | What Makes Them Unmissable |
|---|---|
| Al‑Balad | UNESCO old district, coral houses, souks |
| Souk Al Alawi | Large traditional market, lively alleys |
| Naseef House | Historical mansion, Hijazi architecture |
| Al Hamra Corniche | Seafront promenade, sculptures, leisure |
| King Fahd Fountain | One of the world’s tallest water jets |
| Al‑Rahmah Mosque | “Floating Mosque” built over the sea |
UNESCO Sites: An Invitation Across the Millennia
In just a few years, Saudi Arabia’s map of World Heritage sites has expanded considerably. Eight properties are now on the UNESCO list, seven cultural and one natural. They outline an itinerary crossing the entire peninsula, from prehistoric petroglyphs to monumental oases, from mudbrick cities to the dunes of the “Empty Quarter.”
Hail and Najran: The Great Rock Art Galleries
In the Hail region in the northwest, the massifs of Jabal Umm Sinman (near the town of Jubbah) and Jabal al‑Manjor and Raat (at Shuwaymis) form the “Rock Art in the Hail Region” ensemble, inscribed in 2015. On sandstone walls, generations of anonymous artists engraved hunting scenes, human processions, sometimes extinct animals, Thamudic or later inscriptions. Some of these works date back over 8,000 years.
Even further south, near Najran, the cultural area of Hima lines up kilometers of rocks covered with engravings and inscriptions in multiple scripts – Nabataean, Old South Arabian (Musnad), Greek, Ancient Arabic. Located on ancient caravan routes, this region also contains old wells believed to be at least three millennia old, testifying to the vital role of water for travelers.
Al‑Ahsa: The World’s Largest Oasis
In the east of the country, the Al‑Ahsa Oasis extends over more than 8,500 hectares and contains about 2.5 million date palms. It is considered the world’s largest oasis and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. Since the Neolithic period, humans have shaped the landscape here through an ingenious system of canals, wells, and springs, irrigating gardens, orchards, and hamlets.
Around Hofuf, several major sites structure the visit: the Qaisaria souk (19th century, rebuilt) with its spice, clothing, and copper shops; the Ottoman Ibrahim Palace, a blend of European military architecture and Islamic elements; the Jawatha Mosque, one of the oldest in Islam; and Al-Qarah Mountain, recognizable by its cliffs pierced with cool caves.
Al‑Uruq Bani Mu’arid: The Kingdom’s First Natural UNESCO Site
For a long time, Saudi Arabia’s inscriptions on the UNESCO list were purely cultural. This changed with the recognition of the Al‑Uruq Bani Mu’arid Protected Area, on the edge of the Rub’ al‑Khali, as its first natural site. Covering over 12,000 km², this territory encompasses a portion of what is presented as the world’s largest continuous expanse of sand dunes.
Beyond the beauty of the landscapes – undulating dunes hundreds of meters high, rocky plateaus, wadis – the interest lies in the preserved biodiversity. It is home to nearly 120 species of native plants, as well as iconic animals like the Arabian oryx, hosting the country’s only free-roaming wild herd, as well as mountain and sand gazelles.
| UNESCO Site | Type | Region / Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Hegra (Al‑Hijr) | Cultural | Nabataean, rock tombs near AlUla |
| At‑Turaif (Diriyah) | Cultural | Cradle of the first Saudi state, Najdi architecture |
| Historic Jeddah | Cultural | Ancient port, coral houses, Al‑Balad district |
| Rock Art of Hail | Cultural | Petroglyphs and inscriptions over millennia |
| Al‑Ahsa Oasis | Cultural | World’s largest oasis, irrigation systems |
| Hima Cultural Area | Cultural | Engraved rocks, multilingual inscriptions, old wells |
| ‘Uruq Bani Mu’arid | Natural | Dunes of the Rub’ al‑Khali, threatened fauna |
| Al‑Faw Landscape | Cultural | Ancient caravan city south of Riyadh |
Mountains, Valleys, and Hanging Villages: The Green Face of the Southwest
Contrary to clichés, Saudi Arabia is not just an ocean of dunes. The southwest, marked by the Sarawat mountain range, features mountains reaching nearly 3,000 meters, terraced villages, and valleys covered with orchards. The air is cooler, mist is frequent, and vegetation is lush, especially in summer.
Asir Region: Abha, Rijal Almaa, and the Misty Highlands
The Asir province, with Abha as its capital, is one of the symbols of this green Arabia. Here, winters can be cold, clouds cling to the peaks, and forests of junipers and acacias cover the slopes. Jabal Sawda (or Al‑Souda), often presented as the highest point in the country at about 3,000 meters altitude, overlooks a national park appreciated for its trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas.
The village of Rijal Almaa, located about 50 km from Abha, is famous for its tower houses made of stone, clay, and wood, often decorated with colorful windows and doors. It is on the UNESCO tentative list. There are several private museums exhibiting traditional costumes, ancient weapons, and everyday objects. An entrance fee is required for some restored areas. The site is particularly photogenic at sunset, when the facades take on golden hues.
Nearby, the historic villages of Al Khalaf and Al Jahamah, with their painted doors and stone houses, complete this journey into a mountain architecture unique to the kingdom.
Al‑Bahah and Thee Ain: The “Marble Village”
Further north, the Al‑Bahah region also features mountainous landscapes and a series of villages clinging to slopes. Thee Ain, sometimes nicknamed the “marble village” due to the whitish cliffs that dominate it, is one of the most remarkable. Its some thirty stone houses, perched on a hill at the foot of the cliffs, give the impression of a single large architectural block. At the foot of the site, an oasis planted with date palms and fruit trees tells the story of the agricultural life that long sustained the community.
Thee Ain village is only accessible during the day, contributing to its timeless atmosphere. Like Rijal Almaa, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in the category of heritage villages.
Deserts, Cliffs, and Craters: The Kingdom’s Adventurous Side
For many travelers, a stay in Saudi Arabia inevitably involves an immersion in the desert. With the Rub’ al‑Khali in the south, the Nafud in the north, and multiple rugged plateaus, the country offers a range of arid landscapes among the most spectacular on the planet.
The “Edge of the World”: The Cliff That Plunges into Infinity
About 90 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, a section of the Tuwaiq escarpment has become a classic weekend excursion: Jebel Fihrayn, nicknamed “Edge of the World”. From the top, the view stretches over a sea of desert plains streaked with dry riverbeds, accentuating the feeling of overlooking a mineral ocean.
Access, which generally requires a 4×4 vehicle, is via sometimes chaotic tracks. On-site, some camp on the edge of the plateau, others go for hikes, photo sessions at sunset, or simply to feel the vertigo of this steep cliff.
Al Wahbah: A Volcanic Crater with Lunar Looks
Not far from Taif, in the west of the country, the Al Wahbah crater presents an equally disorienting landscape. About two kilometers wide and over 250 meters deep, this volcanic maar was created by a phreatic explosion. At the bottom, a carpet of white salt forms an almost perfect plain, contrasting with the dark walls. The whole is set on the edge of the Harrat Kishb lava field, a reminder that the west of the kingdom is dotted with volcanic areas.
Descent into the crater is limited due to the risk of toxic gases. Access to the rim remains possible and offers impressive views. It is recommended to use a suitable vehicle, carry water, and protect yourself from the sun.
Rub’ al‑Khali and Other Iconic Deserts
Further south, the Rub’ al‑Khali – the mythical “Empty Quarter” – extends over nearly 650,000 km², making it the world’s largest continuous sand desert. Some dunes exceed 300 meters in height. Organized tours offer safari experiences: dune driving, sunsets over seas of undulating sand, bivouacs under the stars, observing wildlife adapted to extreme conditions.
To the north, the Nafud desert is known for its red dunes and its night skies of exceptional purity, ideal for stargazing. Further west, the landscapes of Hisma, in the Tabuk region, sometimes evoke Jordan’s Wadi Rum, with their red sandstone cliffs sculpted by the wind, dotted with ancient inscriptions.
| Desert Landscape | Specificity |
|---|---|
| Edge of the World | Cliff overlooking plains, panoramic view |
| Al Wahbah | Volcanic crater, white salt floor |
| Rub’ al‑Khali | World’s largest continuous sand desert |
| Nafud Desert | Red dunes, night sky ideal for astronomy |
| Hisma (Tabuk) | Red sandstone cliffs, rock art |
Valleys and Reserves: Nature in Oasis Version
Amidst these mineral landscapes, deep valleys and preserved archipelagos offer parentheses of greenery and fresh or salt water. Here again, the diversity of natural environments is surprising.
Wadi Disah, Canyon of Palms in the Heart of the Northwest
In the Tabuk region, Wadi Disah – literally “valley of palms” – is a long canyon with sandstone cliffs striped in ochre and red, at the bottom of which flows a stream lined with date palms. Integrated into the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve, the valley can be explored by 4×4 or on foot, at the pace of shallow fords and improvised picnic areas.
Wadi Disah, located near Tabuk, is a natural site appreciated for its relative coolness, the presence of water, and the verticality of its rock walls. These characteristics make it a popular destination for both local residents and tourists. Main activities include camping, walks, and wildlife observation, offering a complete experience in the heart of nature.
Farasan: The Preserved Islands of the Southern Red Sea
Off the coast of Jizan, in the southwest, the Farasan Islands archipelago lines up dozens of coral islets set on a sea of intense blue. White sand, translucent waters, colorful reefs, turtles, tropical fish: the setting evokes the great lagoons of the Indian Ocean more than the usual image of the peninsula.
The archipelago is accessible by ferry from Jizan port. It is renowned for its mangroves, birdlife, and rich coral reefs. These characteristics have earned it a place on the UNESCO tentative list as a protected area.
Wadi Lajab and Other Secret Valleys
Also in the Jizan region, Wadi Lajab is a narrow gorge cutting into the mountain, where a stream forms pools suitable for swimming in places. Gardens, terraced crops, and simple bridges complete this landscape of a lush canyon.
Other valleys, like those around Najran or the Sarawat, combine traditional crops, small seasonal waterfalls, and remote villages, depicting a less-known Arabia, where mountain agriculture and ancestral irrigation systems play a central role.
Al‑Ahsa and the Oases of the East: Another Way to Experience the Desert
We mentioned Al‑Ahsa as a UNESCO site; but the oasis can also be visited as a place of contemporary life where agricultural tradition and modern urbanization coexist. Dates are omnipresent, whether in endless orchards or lively markets selling multiple varieties.
The Qaisaria souk, with its red brick-covered alleys, is an iconic place of oasis culture. One discovers a unique atmosphere where the scents of cardamom, Saudi coffee, saffron, and oud wood mingle with the lively discussions of vendors. A few kilometers away, Al-Qarah Mountain, with its cool caves, offers a contrasting and welcome escape from the heat of the surrounding plain.
Nearby, the Persian Gulf coast lines up cities like Dammam, Al‑Khobar, or Jubail, where seafront corniches, parks, and fish markets complement the Eastern experience. Tourism projects are also developing in this region, notably around beach resorts and leisure complexes.
Heritage Villages and Historic Routes: Caravan Arabia
Part of the kingdom’s tourist appeal lies in the possibility to follow the traces of ancient trade routes or pilgrimage paths. Several villages and itineraries, being enhanced or already well restored, allow one to step back into those centuries of intense circulation between the Levant, Mesopotamia, Hejaz, and the Gulf.
Ushaiqer, Oasis Village of Najd
About 200 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, the village of Ushaiqer hides behind a curtain of palm trees. This mudbrick town, one of the oldest in Najd, once served as a stopover for caravans and pilgrims heading to Mecca. Its covered alleys, tightly packed houses, small mosques, and shaded squares have been largely restored and now form an open-air museum.
Explanatory panels, houses transformed into private museums or cafes, and the presence of local guides help better understand the social organization of these oasis communities in the center of the peninsula.
Hajj Routes and Nomination Projects
Beyond villages, several ancient pilgrimage routes are on the UNESCO tentative list: the Egyptian route, the Syrian route, Darb Zubaydah which linked Kufa in Iraq to the holy cities of Hejaz. Forts, caravanserais, wells, and hydraulic works dot these itineraries scattered in the desert, recalling the scale of pilgrim flows since the Middle Ages.
The project to enhance the Hejaz Railway line, which connected Damascus to Medina in the early 20th century, follows the same logic: using the remains of historical infrastructure to tell the story of the evolution of religious and commercial travel in the region.
Red Sea Coasts: Coral Reefs, Islets, and Megaprojects
Saudi Arabia has a considerable coastline on the Red Sea, long relatively confidential for international tourism. Today, the kingdom is strongly betting on this potential, between the preservation of protected islets and the construction of luxury complexes.
Umluj, “Little Maldives” of the Northwest
In the Tabuk province, the small coastal town of Umluj has become known for its transparent waters and sandy islets surrounded by coral. Boat excursions allow one to spot dolphins, turtles, and multicolored fish, in water often of a milky blue. The reefs of the Saudi Red Sea are home to hundreds of coral species and marine biodiversity that already attract divers and snorkelers.
Further north, the Gulf of Aqaba and the coasts near NEOM also aim to develop beach and nautical tourism, while positioning themselves in high-end niches blending wellness, water sports, and environmental experiences.
Farasan, Reefs, Mangroves, and Birds
We mentioned the Farasan Islands as a potentially classifiable UNESCO site. Besides their pristine beaches and corals, they also host mangroves that serve as nursery areas for many marine species, as well as bird colonies, some migratory. The archipelago well embodies one of the axes of Vision 2030: making the Red Sea a major hub for sustainable tourism, reconciling new visitation with ecosystem protection.
Holy Cities: A Religious Heritage at the Heart of the Kingdom
Even though the cities of Mecca and Medina are primarily pilgrimage destinations, and the core of their sacred sites remains reserved for Muslims, it is impossible to talk about the country’s unmissable places without mentioning their importance.
Mecca, Spiritual Heart of Islam
Mecca houses the al‑Haram Mosque, the largest place of worship in the Muslim world, which surrounds the Kaaba. Under normal circumstances, it can accommodate nearly a million worshippers, and up to several million during Hajj. Although access to the city is reserved for Muslims, the scale of urban developments and infrastructure (like the Abraj Al‑Bait tower complex, dominated by the famous Clock Tower) makes Mecca one of the great contemporary architectural projects.
Medina, City of the Prophet
Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, is more widely accessible: non‑Muslims can move around the city, although the Prophet’s Mosque – Al‑Masjid an‑Nabawi – remains reserved for believers. Other nearby places, such as the Quba Mosque, considered one of the oldest mosques built, or Mount Uhud, the site of a foundational battle in Islamic history, are also highlights for pilgrims.
These cities illustrate the importance of the kingdom’s spiritual heritage. They also show how pilgrim flows have historically influenced the development of transport networks, hospitality traditions, and even national identity.
A Mosaic of Markets, Museums, and Urban Life
Beyond grand landscapes and archaeological sites, Saudi Arabia is also discovered in its markets, museums, and new entertainment districts. This more everyday dimension is fully part of the tourist experience.
Souks and Shopping Malls: The Country Through Its Stalls
From the lively alleys of Al‑Balad to the shaded aisles of Al‑Zal in Riyadh, traditional souks remain privileged places to feel the country’s pulse. One finds the constants of Saudi culture: the importance of dates and coffee, the art of perfumery around oud and bakhour, a predilection for worked gold and embroidered fabrics.
Large shopping malls, often adjacent to iconic towers like Kingdom Centre or Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, or integrated into the new corniches of Jeddah, Dammam, or Khobar, illustrate the modernity of a young and consumer-oriented society. They combine international brands, stylish restaurants, leisure spaces, and cinema halls.
Museums and Cultural Centers: Telling the Story of a Changing Country
All over, new cultural venues are appearing, like the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, with its “pebble” metal architecture and spaces dedicated to cinema, arts, and science. In Riyadh, the National Museum organizes a chronological narrative of the peninsula, while the King Abdulaziz Historical Center recontextualizes the birth of the current monarchy.
In Jeddah, the Al Tayebat complex recreates, in one ensemble, traditional houses from different regions of the country, blending historical, ethnographic, and artistic exhibitions. In AlUla, institutions like Villa Hegra or Madrasat Addeera, an old school transformed into an art and design center, show how the country is investing in contemporary creation to accompany its opening.
Preparing Your Trip: A Diversity to Approach
Exploring this mosaic of sites requires some preparation. The country extends over a vast territory, organized into 13 regions with distinct identities. Distances are long – AlUla, for example, is about 1,100 km from Riyadh – and some natural areas require the use of an off-road vehicle. Renting a car is therefore often recommended, especially to reach places like the Edge of the World, Wadi Disah, or some mountain villages.
The most pleasant time to travel is generally from October to March, when temperatures are milder, both in cities and deserts. In the mountains of Asir or around Taif, coolness is present for much of the year. In contrast, desert areas can experience extreme heat in summer.
Travelers must also keep certain cultural specificities in mind: modest dress recommended, respect for prayer times during which shops and services may briefly close, prohibition of alcohol, importance of hospitality (coffee and dates offered to visitors, notably). In return, the recent opening of the country to tourism translates into a multiplication of hotels, restaurants, and activity offers, as well as the possibility of obtaining an electronic visa for over fifty nationalities.
| Practical Aspect | To Remember |
|---|---|
| Climate | Ideal from October to March, very hot summer in deserts |
| Transportation | Rental car recommended, 4×4 for remote sites |
| Visa | Tourist e‑Visa available for many countries |
| Languages | Official Arabic, English widely spoken in cities |
| Cultural Code | Modest attire, respect for religious places |
A Country to Rediscover
In record time, Saudi Arabia has gone from an almost exclusively religious destination to a country claiming its place on the map of world tourism. But beyond communication and grand projects, it is above all its sites – whether monumental or tiny, natural or built, ancient or ultramodern – that give the measure of its potential.
The country offers a rare collection of landscapes and historical sites, from oases and cliffs to stone villages and coral cities, including Nabataean tombs and preserved reefs. New treasures continue to be enhanced across this immense territory.
For the curious traveler, it’s an opportunity to get ahead and discover, right now, a country in the midst of reinvention, where every region seems to seek to tell its own story to the rest of the world.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
